"Mrs. Jahnsen describes her book as 'a human interest expose.' It is certainly a most delightful and unusual piece of research. Concentrating on ten instruments by Quakertown organ builder Charles F. Durner (1838-1914) and his son, Charles E. Durner (1863-1932), Mrs. Jahnsen sets out to study the organists who played them, their families and students, triumphs and tragedies. In doing so she weaves a fascinating tapestry of human relationships and musical accomplishments. It is remarkable how many of the musicians bred on Durner instruments went on to achieve prominence as musical directors of important churches or as concert organists. Quite a few became O H S members. This surely cannot be coincidence, and we are left asking the question which Mrs. Jahnsen poses at the beginning of the book: "Was it the work of Durner and the speech of his instruments that motivated so many seriously to study music?'"

In 1859 Charles Frederick (Goll) Durner, a 22 Year-old German immigrant organ builder joined parents at Zion Hill Pennsylvania after serving apprenticeship with an uncle in Germany -- C.F. Durner & Family operated organ works from Quakertown, PA (1861-1932)

Part 1 - Known Durner Family Members; known Durner Organ Company Technicians; Known Music Personnel from 10 selected Bucks County Pennsylvania Durner Organ Churches